Daniela
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I'm from Brazil and I absolutely loved Salt to the Sea. I would like to know how was it like to write about the war by a perspective of four different refugees and people fleeing to survive and also a German whi believed in Hitler's ideology and which one was the most difficult?
Ruta Sepetys
Hello Daniela!
I hope all is well in Brazil. Thank you for reading "Salt to the Sea."
In terms of the different perspectives - when I was researching the novel I was reminded of how many regions and countries were affected and suffered during the evacuation. When I interviewed people from those different countries, I realized that every human being views history through their own cultural lens so I created characters who would give voice to a particular regional experience and allow the reader to look through their "lens."
The most difficult character to create was Emilia. She is a nuanced character and I wanted to show her depth - even as a young girl.
Thanks for asking!
I hope all is well in Brazil. Thank you for reading "Salt to the Sea."
In terms of the different perspectives - when I was researching the novel I was reminded of how many regions and countries were affected and suffered during the evacuation. When I interviewed people from those different countries, I realized that every human being views history through their own cultural lens so I created characters who would give voice to a particular regional experience and allow the reader to look through their "lens."
The most difficult character to create was Emilia. She is a nuanced character and I wanted to show her depth - even as a young girl.
Thanks for asking!
More Answered Questions
Shauna George
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta. Read "between shades of grey" a few months back and loved the book so much. I read later that this was based on events that occurred within your family during WWII. I am sure that retelling these painful events were very difficult. I am very intrigued to find out how you managed to do this? Also how differnrt is Salt of the Sea from Between shades of grey?
Paolo Panlaqui
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I'm a high school student from the Philippines. I loved your book Salt to the Sea and I can't wait to dive into your other books. I was wondering if you recommend this book to some of my friends because we studied WWII and when I read it, it was very accurate? What made you write a history novel instead of any other genres. Thank You! (PS: When will you come to the Philippines?)
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